A morphological and chemical study of calcification of the pineal gland

A general scheme of analysis for the investigation of minute calcification is presented. After low temperature ashing, the samples are subjected to chemical, structural and morphological study, using atomic absorption spectrometry, infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Details about the calcification of the human pineal gland are given. The content of trace elements is very high, but within the limits found in other biological apatites. It is concluded that calcification of the pineal is a more general occurence than has been realized.